The summer program is conducted annually on the Tel Aviv University campus since 2006. The next summer program will take place from June 28 to July 23, 2015. The program offers intensive Yiddish instruction at five levels. Language instruction will be supplemented by an afternoon program of lectures, conversation workshops, tours, and by evening cultural and social events.

Located minutes away from both the center of Tel Aviv and its beaches, TAU is the largest university in Israel, with significant resources in Jewish Studies, among them the Diaspora Museum and the Margulies Yiddish Book Collection. Students can enjoy Tel Aviv's diverse attractions: museums, cafes, Bauhaus architecture, the beach and the promenade, the old harbor, summer festivals, and clubs in this Mediterranean city "that never sleeps."

As students of TAU International, the Tel Aviv University School for Overseas Students, whose credentials are recognized by universities world-wide, participants will receive 80 hours of language and literature instruction (four credits) with highly qualified and experienced teachers in small classes.

Morning Language Instruction

Yiddish Classes will be held between 9.30-11.00 and 11.30-13.00 on the Tel Aviv University campus. Class placement will be determined by students' performance on a Yiddish proficiency test. Attendance at the Yiddish instruction classes are mandatory.

Yiddish I

Introduction to standard Yiddish conversation, grammar, and writing for both native English and Hebrew speakers.

Yiddish II

For students who have attained basic Beginners' Yiddish, this class is divided into two parts, one on developing composition and conversational skills and the other on reading and discussing literary texts.

Yiddish III

For students whose knowledge goes beyond basic Beginners' Yiddish, this course is also divided into two parts, one on developing composition and conversational skills and the other on reading and discussing literary texts.

Yiddish IV

For students nearly fluent in Yiddish, this course will include a significant literature component as well as improving both writing and reading comprehension.

Yiddish V

This advanced course is designed both to improve fluency with emphasis on idiomatic usage of the language, and to analyze selected texts in modern Yiddish literature.

Lecture Series

A series of lectures in English on "Landmarks of Yiddish Literature" can be audited or taken for one additional credit (requiring written work).

Afternoon Academic and Cultural Program

Afternoon workshops, lectures and activities will be held on the Tel Aviv University campus. Activities will include conversation classes, a folksong workshop and concerts. There will also be opportunities to play klezmer music. Students are encouraged to bring their musical instruments with them.

Tours

Two weekend-trips to Jerusalem, the Negev, and the Galilee are organized by TAU International. The first trip will take place before the beginning of the program, June 22-24 and the second July 6-8.

Dormitories adjacent to the campus are available to the participants, double occupancy only.

Prof. Hana Wirth-Nesher Director, Goldreich Family Institute for Yiddish Language, Literature, and Culture at Tel Aviv UniversityThe Samuel L. and Perry Haber Chair on the Study of the Jewish Experience in the United StatesProfessor of English and American Studies, Tel Aviv University